Thermodynamic Potential

Thermodynamic potentials are a fascinating concept that can be quite complex, but I will do my best to explain them in simpler terms in my blog!😁

One way to think about thermodynamic potential is that they are a set of mathematical functions that allows us to calculate the energy and work associated with a particular process or change in thermodynamic system. Each potential has its own unique set of properties which I will discuss in more detail.

One important concept in thermodynamic potentials is that they are state functions. This means the value of potential only depends on the current state of the system and not on how that state was achieved.

In this blog, we will discuss the four types of thermodynamic potentials which includes:

•           Internal Energy
•       Enthalpy
•       Helmholtz free energy
•       Gibbs Free Energy

      To discuss in detail about thermodynamic potential types:

1.               Internal Energy (U)

It is the total energy of a system’s particles, including their kinetic and potential energies. This energy is related to the temperature of the system and is measure of total energy that can be exchanged between the system and its surroundings. In short, we can say that it is the energy that is stored within a system and is available to do work. It is given by; 

    dU = Tds - pdV

 

       Enthalpy (H)

Enthalpy is the sum of the internal energy of a system and the product of its pressure and volume. It is measure of heat that is released or absorbed during a process that occurs at constant pressure. It is given by;

dH = Tds + vdp

         Helmholtz Function (F)

This function is the difference between the internal energy of a system and the product of its temperature and entropy. It is a measure of the energy that is available to do work at constant temperature and volume. This energy is useful thermodynamic potential for describing the behavior of systems that are in contact with a heat reservoir at constant temperature. It is given by;

dF = -pdV - SdT

1.     Gibbs Free Energy (G)

It is the difference between the enthalpy of a system and the product of its temperature and entropy. It is a measure of the energy that is available to do work at constant temperature and pressure. It is given by;

dG = Vdp - SdT

Each of these potentials provides different information about a system and can be used to describe its behaviour under different conditions. The idea behind thermodynamic potential is that there are certain properties of a system such as temperature, entropy, pressure and volume that determine its state.

In conclusion, thermodynamic potential is a crucial concept in thermodynamics that allows us to describe the behavior of physical systems under different conditions. The four most common thermodynamic potential, Internal energy, Enthalpy, Helmholtz function and Gibbs free energy provides us with different information about a system.

 

Thank You!😀